Tactile objects for orthodontics, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatus&#39;s for improving orthodontic treatments. In an embodiment, an orthodontic system including a tactile object is provided for modulating an engagement between a tooth attachment and an orthodontic appliance.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/423,418, filed on Feb. 2, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/206,836, filed Mar. 12, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,165, issued on Mar. 21, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/633,715, filed Dec. 8, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,697, issued Apr. 29, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of orthodontics, and more particularly to orthodontic appliances, such as shell appliances, and tactile objects for improving the effects of attachment devices.

An objective of orthodontics is to move a patient's teeth to positions where function and/or aesthetics are optimized. Traditionally, appliances such as braces are applied to the patient's teeth by an orthodontist or dentist and the set of braces exerts continual force on the teeth and gradually urges them toward their intended positions. Over time and with a series of clinical visits, the orthodontist adjusts the appliances to move the teeth toward their final destination.

More recently, alternatives to conventional orthodontic treatment with traditional affixed appliances (e.g., braces) have become available. For example, systems including a series of preformed orthodontic appliances have become commercially available from Align Technology, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., under the trade name Invisalign® System. An Invisalign® System appliance can be made from thin clear plastic and have teeth receiving cavities. In use, the appliance is placed over the patient's teeth and is removable. Shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are designed to impart positioning or repositioning forces to the patient's teeth. The imparted forces are resilient in nature and are associated with corresponding appliance elastic deformation. When used to reposition teeth, a series of individual appliances are worn by a patient to elastically reposition the patient's teeth over time. When used to retain teeth, one or more identical appliances are worn to restrain a patient's teeth in their current arrangement.

Attachment devices coupled to teeth have been utilized in orthodontic treatment and can improve force delivery and/or repositioning of the teeth, e.g., with shell-shaped appliances. Attachments can include those fabricated prior to tooth attachment or may be substantially assembled at the orthodontic practitioner's office prior to or in conjunction with positioning on the patient's tooth (e.g., molded composites, etc.). Use of attachment devices in conjunction with shell-type appliances may be desired for anchoring an appliance to the patient's dentition, eliciting a tooth movement, including eliciting certain movements or more difficult movements, such as more difficult rotation or intrusion/extrusion type movements.

In some instances where tooth attachments are utilized, actual force application to the patient's teeth may differ from the desired or intended force. Errors may occur as attachments made by the practitioner may not always conform to a prescribed or ideally desired shape and/or may not bond in the correct location or orientation. Manufacturing limits or errors in attachment or appliance formation (e.g., attachment receiving well of an appliance) may lead to error in appliance/attachment engagement, such as misalignment or less than ideal coupling between an attachment and appliance. Additionally, wear on an attachment and/or appliance, shape degradation of an appliance, and the like during orthodontic treatment and/or repeated insertion and removal of an appliance may occur, which can further effect force application to the patient's teeth. Accordingly, a corresponding orthodontic appliance may not ideally couple with the attachment as intended, leading to errors in force delivery and the patient's orthodontic treatment.

Accordingly, improved methods, systems, and apparatus's are needed for more optimal or precise tooth movement force delivery in orthodontic treatments utilizing tooth attachments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved methods, systems, and apparatus's for orthodontic treatment and positioning of a patient's teeth utilizing an orthodontic appliance (e.g., patient removable shell appliance) and a tooth attachment for engaging the orthodontic appliance.

In one aspect an orthodontic positioning appliance is provided. The orthodontic positioning appliance includes a patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities, where at least one of the teeth receiving cavities includes an attachment receiving well for engaging an attachment. The orthodontic positioning appliance further includes a tactile object disposed proximate to the attachment receiving well.

In another aspect, a method for applying a tooth positioning force to the dentition of a patient is provided. The method includes providing a patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities and an attachment receiving well. The method further includes providing an attachment on at least one of the patient's teeth, and providing a tactile object for disposal between the attachment receiving well and the attachment. Methods and systems for generating or manufacturing an orthodontic appliance and/or orthodontic positioning system utilizing tooth attachments are also provided herein.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed description that follows.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a lower jaw and a patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system for orthodontically positioning or repositioning a patient's tooth.

FIG. 3A illustrates a lower jaw having an attachment device coupled to a tooth.

FIG. 3B illustrates an attachment device coupled to a tooth.

FIG. 4A illustrates an attachment device and an appliance according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 4C illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4D illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4E illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 4F illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 5B illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 5D illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5C.

FIG. 5E illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a eighth embodiment.

FIG. 5F illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5E.

FIG. 5G illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 5H illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5G.

FIG. 5I illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 5J illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5I.

FIG. 5K illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 5L illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5K.

FIG. 5M illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 5N illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5M.

FIG. 5O illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 5P illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5O.

FIG. 5Q illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 5R illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5Q.

FIG. 5S illustrates an attachment device, appliance, and tactile object according to a fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 5T illustrates a magnified portion of FIG. 5S.

FIG. 6A illustrates distances of an attachment taken into account during formation of a tactile object.

FIG. 6B illustrates distances of a tactile object taken into account during formation of a tactile object.

FIG. 7A illustrates a method for forming an appliance according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows a method for forming an appliance according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a method for forming a dental template.

FIG. 8B shows a first method for placing an attachment and a tactile object on a patient's tooth.

FIG. 8C shows a second method for placing an attachment on a patient's tooth.

FIG. 9 shows a method for attaching a tactile object to a patient's tooth.

FIG. 10A shows a method for forming a tactile object on an appliance.

FIG. 10B shows a method for forming a base and a tactile object on an appliance.

FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram of a data processing system embodying the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved methods, systems, and apparatus's for orthodontic treatment and positioning of a patient's teeth utilizing an orthodontic appliance (e.g., patient removable shell appliance) engaging a tooth attachment. According to the present invention, a tactile object is disposed between an orthodontic appliance and an attachment device so as to modulate engagement between the attachment and appliance and/or force delivery as the appliance is worn by the patient. The present invention may advantageously result in any or all of the following: an increase in the quality of a fit of the attachment to the orthodontic appliance; an increase in or selection of a treatment affect (e.g., tooth movement force delivery); a reduction in degradation of an attachment over time; an increase in the predictability of forces generated by an orthodontic appliance and thus the predictability of a patient's treatment; a reduction in a patient's treatment time; an increase in an effectiveness of an orthodontic appliance; and a reduction in a cost of a patient's orthodontic treatment.

The term “tactile object” as used herein generally refers to a component or plurality of components in an orthodontic treatment system that affects an engagement between an orthodontic appliance and a corresponding attachment device disposed on a patient's tooth. Engagement may be affected by modulating a fit between an attachment and an appliance and/or affecting a tooth movement or positioning force applied to the patient's dentition as the appliance is worn by the patient. An attachment based orthodontic treatment delivery system will typically include an attachment that can be bonded to or otherwise coupled to a patient's tooth and an orthodontic appliance that couples with the attachment on the tooth when the appliance is worn by the patient or utilized for tooth position force application to the patient's dentition. A tactile object of the present invention can be disposed or positioned relative to the attachment and attachment engaging portion (e.g., attachment receiving well) of the orthodontic appliance so as to affect engagement between the attachment and the orthodontic appliance. For example, a tactile object can be disposed at least partially between the attachment and attachment receiving well of the appliance. As further described below, a tactile object may, e.g., be disposed at least partially in an attachment receiving well, proximate to an attachment receiving well, and/or disposed over or coupled to one or more surfaces of the attachment or the orthodontic appliance. A tactile object can, in some instances, include the attachment itself or a portion thereof, e.g., where the attachment is shaped or designed to affect attachment/appliance engagement. In some instances, a tactile object may be removable and/or disposable following coupling or use.

FIG. 1 shows generally an exemplary patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance 10 which is worn by a patient in order to restrain and/or reposition the patient's teeth (e.g., teeth as illustrated in jaw 11). The appliance may comprise a shell (e.g., a polymeric shell) having a plurality of teeth-receiving cavities that are shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force for restraining and/or repositioning the teeth. In one embodiment, a polymeric appliance can be formed from a thin sheet of suitable elastomeric polymeric material, such as Tru-Train (e.g., 0.03 inch) thermal forming dental material (Tru-Train Plastics, Rochester, Minn.). An appliance can fit over all teeth present in an upper or lower jaw, or less then all of the teeth. In some cases, only certain teeth received by an appliance will be repositioned by the appliance while other teeth can provide a base or anchor region for holding the appliance in place as it applies force against the tooth or teeth targeted for repositioning. In some cases, many or most, and even all, of the teeth will be repositioned at some point during treatment. Teeth which are engaged can also serve as a base or anchor for holding the appliance as it is worn by the patient. In some instances, no wires or other means will be provided for holding an appliance in place over the teeth. In some cases, however, it may be desirable or necessary to provide individual anchors on teeth with corresponding receptacles or apertures in the appliance so that the appliance can apply a selected force on the tooth. Exemplary appliances, including those utilized in the Invisalign® System, are described in numerous patents and patent applications assigned to Align Technology, Inc. including, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,450,807, and 5,975,893, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as well as on the company's website, which is accessible on the World Wide Web (see, e.g., the url “align.com”).

An appliance can be designed and/or provided as part of a set or plurality of appliances. Appliances making use of tactile objects, as described herein, may constitute one or more appliances of a plurality. In such an embodiment, each appliance may be configured so a tooth receiving cavity has a geometry corresponding to an intermediate or final tooth arrangement intended for the appliance. The patient's teeth are progressively repositioned from their initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement by placing a series of incremental position adjustment appliances over the patient's teeth. The adjustment appliances can be generated all at the same stage or in sets or batches, e.g., at the beginning of a stage of the treatment, and the patient wears each appliance until the pressure of each appliance on the teeth can no longer be felt or has resulted in the maximum allowable tooth movement for that given stage. A plurality of different appliances (e.g., a set) can be designed and even fabricated prior to the patient wearing any appliance of the plurality. After wearing an appliance for an appropriate period of time, the patient replaces the current appliance with the next appliance in the series until no more appliances remain. The appliances are generally not affixed to the teeth and the patient may place and replace the appliances at any time during the procedure; i.e., patient removable appliances. The final appliance or several appliances in the series may have a geometry or geometries selected to overcorrect the tooth arrangement; i.e., have a geometry which would (if fully achieved) move individual teeth beyond the tooth arrangement which has been selected as the “final.” Such over-correction may be desirable in order to offset potential relapse after the repositioning method has been terminated; i.e., to permit movement of individual teeth back toward their pre-corrected positions. Over-correction may also be beneficial to speed the rate of correction, i.e., by having an appliance with a geometry that is positioned beyond a desired intermediate or final position, the individual teeth will be shifted toward the position at a greater rate. In such cases, the use of an appliance can be terminated before the teeth reach the positions defined by the appliance.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a system 1 for orthodontically positioning or repositioning a patient's tooth 12 is illustrated. The system 1 includes an orthodontic appliance 10 such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided. The appliance 10 may have one or more attachment receiving wells 20 for receiving an attachment device 40 provided on an object such as a tooth 12. The system 1 further includes a tactile object 25 for modulating an engagement between the attachment device 40 and an attachment receiving well 20. As a result of modulating such an engagement, the fit between the attachment device 40 and the appliance 10 may be effected (e.g., increase quality of fit), and thus an operative affect of the attachment device 40 (e.g., force application) may be effected or improved.

The tactile object 25 may be provided between the attachment device 40 and the attachment receiving well 20. The tactile object 25 may be provided proximate to the attachment device 40. For example, the tactile object 25 may be disposed on or near all or portions of a surface of the attachment device 40. The tactile object 25 may also be provided proximate to an attachment receiving well 20. For example, the tactile object 25 may be disposed on or near all or portions of a surface of the attachment receiving well 20. The tactile object 25 may be disposed on or near both the attachment device 40 and the attachment receiving well 20. The tactile object 25 may be disposed in or near one or more inner wells of the attachment receiving well 20.

As a result of providing a tactile object 25, a working range of the appliance 10 may be increased since the appliance 10 can, via the tactile object 25, adapt itself to erroneous shapes and positions of the attachment device 40. In the case that the tactile object 25 has an elasticity or malleability greater than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of the appliance 10, a stress relaxation effect of the appliance 10 may be reduced since an elastic property of the tactile object 25 may apply a constant force for engaging the attachment 40 with the appliance 10. Moreover, the parameters of the tactile object 25 and an elastic modulus of the tactile object 25 can be selected to obtain a desired force magnitude on the tooth 12.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate an attachment device 40 bonded to a tooth 12 above a gingiva 13 of the lower jaw 11. The attachment device 40 may have any variety of geometries, including, e.g., having a cross-section in the shape of a rectangle, square, circle, and the like. The attachment device 40 may be directly bonded to the tooth 12, or may be coupled to the tooth 12 via an attachment body. Other attachment mechanisms may be used as well, including adhesives, flexible bands or connecting ligatures. The attachment device 40 may be bonded to any surface of a dental feature and may be provided in one or more locations. Specific shapes and designs may be particularly useful for certain locations. For example, attachment devices positioned on the lingual/buccal surfaces of the teeth would characteristically prevent irritation to contacting tissues, such as the tongue/cheek. The attachment device 40 engages the appliance 10 to effect a movement of a tooth 12 to which the attachment device 40 is secured. The attachment device 40 may also or alternatively engage the appliance 10 to effect a movement of one or more teeth other than a tooth 12 to which the attachment device 40 is secured. Exemplary attachment devices that can be utilized or modified for use in conjunction with tactile objects as described herein, are generally described in numerous patents and patent applications assigned to Align Technology, Inc. including, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,059,850 and 7,125,248, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20 for receiving the attachment 40. According to an embodiment, the attachment 40 is made of a malleable material such as rubber, elastic, and the like, and has at least one dimension that is larger than a dimension of the attachment receiving well 20. The elasticity or malleability of the attachment 40 may be greater than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of the appliance 10.

The attachment 40 may have four dimensions, where only three are illustrated in FIG. 4A. A first dimension, a, corresponds to a length of a top surface of the attachment 40. A second dimension, b, corresponds to a height of a front surface of the attachment 40. A third dimension, c, corresponds to a length of a bottom surface of the attachment 40. A fourth dimension, not shown, corresponds to a width of the top, front, and bottom surfaces. The attachment receiving well 20 may have four corresponding dimensions, where only three are illustrated in FIG. 4A. A first dimension, a′, corresponds to an upper surface for contacting the top surface of the attachment 40. A second dimension, b′, corresponds to an inner surface for contacting the front surface of the attachment 40. A third dimension, c′, corresponds to a lower surface for contacting the bottom surface of the attachment 40. A fourth dimension, not shown, is also for contacting the front surface of the attachment 40.

In an embodiment, one or more of the dimensions a, b, and c of the attachment 40 are larger than the corresponding dimensions a′, b′, and c′ of the attachment receiving well 20. In another embodiment, all of the dimensions of the attachment 40 are larger than the corresponding dimensions of the attachment receiving well 20. For example, dimensions a, b, and c may be equal to 0.5 mm, 3 mm, and 1.5 mm, respectively, while dimensions a′, b′, and c′ may be equal to 0.25 mm, 2.5 mm, and 1 mm, respectively.

As previously discussed, attachments may in some instances be less than optimally formed or placed, or otherwise result in less than optimal engagement or misalignment between the attachment and the appliance. Embodiments of the present invention may advantageously minimize or reduce the unwanted force delivery and/or engagement effects due to less than optimal formation and/or placement. For example, fabricating the attachment 40 including a material that has a greater malleability than that of the appliance 10 and at least one dimension larger than a corresponding dimension of the attachment receiving well 20 may modulate an engagement between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20. In particular, a better engagement may result because the malleability of the attachment 40 will provide some give and take. Moreover, appliances 10 are often very stiff, making it difficult for the appliance 10 to lock around attachment devices 40. Using a malleable, larger-sized attachment device 40 may advantageously increase a locking between the attachment device 40 and the appliance 10. As a result, the quality of a fit between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20 may be increased and thus an affect of the attachment 40 may be increased.

According to another embodiment, the attachment 40 is made of a malleable material such as rubber, elastic, and the like, and has all dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the attachment receiving well 20. For example, the dimensions a, b, and c of the attachment 40, as well as the previously discussed dimension not illustrated, may all be smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the attachment receiving well 20. In this case, a locking between the attachment device 40 and the appliance 10 may be advantageously increased when a misalignment exists between the attachment 40 and the appliance 10 due to the give and take of the malleable material. As a result, the quality of a fit between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20 may be increased and thus an affect of the attachment 40 may be increased.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. A tactile object 25 is disposed proximate the attachment receiving well 20. The tactile object 25 may be made of a malleable material such as elastic, rubber, and the like and may have an elasticity or malleability greater than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of both the appliance 10 and the attachment 40. The tactile object 25 may comprise a layer of material that covers an entire inner surface of the attachment receiving well 20 and has a predetermined thickness. The tactile object 25 may be formed in the shape of the attachment receiving well 20 and for receiving the attachment device 40. The attachment device 40 may be made of nonmalleable material, such as metal, ceramic, composite, and the like. The attachment device 40 may also be made of malleable material, such as elastic, rubber, and the like, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4A.

In an embodiment, the attachment receiving well 20 has dimensions such as dimensions a′, b′, and c′, equal to the corresponding dimensions of the attachment device 40, such as dimensions a, b, and c. In this case, the corresponding inner-surface dimensions of the tactile object 25, such as a″, b″, and c″, may be less than the corresponding dimensions of the attachment device 40. In another embodiment, the attachment receiving well 20 and tactile object 25 are formed such that one or more of the inner-surface dimensions of the tactile object 25 are equal to or smaller than corresponding one or more dimensions of the attachment device 40. In a further embodiment, the attachment receiving well 20 and tactile object 25 are formed such that one or more of the inner-surface dimensions of the tactile object 25 are greater than corresponding one or more dimensions of the attachment device 40.

As previously discussed, attachments may be poorly formed or poorly placed, resulting in misalignment between the attachment and the appliance. However, placing a tactile object 25 proximate the attachment receiving well 20 may modulate an engagement between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20. In particular, a better engagement may result because the malleability of the tactile object 25 will provide some give and take and possibly help direct the force applied by the attachment 40. Moreover, appliances 10 are often very stiff, making it difficult for the appliance 10 to lock around attachment devices 40. Using a malleable tactile object 25 may advantageously increase a locking between the attachment device 40 and the appliance 10. As a result, the quality of a fit between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20 may be increased and thus an affect of the attachment 40 may be increased.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. The tactile object 25 a provided in this embodiment is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4B, except in this embodiment the tactile object 25 a only covers portions of the inner surface of the attachment receiving well 20. For example, the tactile object 25 a may cover an upper surface of the attachment receiving well 20 for contacting the top surface of the attachment 40 and/or a lower surface of the attachment receiving well 20 for contacting the bottom surface of the attachment 40. Various relative sizes of the attachment device 40 and a resulting space in the attachment receiving well 20 for receiving the attachment device 40 are possible, as described above with respect to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance. A tactile object 25 b is provided proximate the attachment device 40. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. The tactile object 25 b in this embodiment is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4B, except in this embodiment the tactile object 25 b covers all exposed surfaces of the attachment device 40. In other words, the tactile object 25 b covers all surfaces of the attachment device 40 except for a surface of the attachment device 40 bonded to the tooth 12. Various relative sizes of the attachment receiving well 20 and the combined attachment device 40 and tactile object 25 b are possible, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20 for receiving the attachment 40. A portion of a tactile object 25 c covers an entire surface of the attachment 40, and a portion of the tactile object 25 d covers an entire inner surface of the attachment receiving well 20. The portions may be made of the same or different material, and have the same or different malleability. Various relative sizes of a resulting space in the attachment receiving well 20 for receiving the attachment device 40 and the combined attachment device 40 and attached portion of the tactile object 25 c are possible, as described above with respect to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. A tactile object 25 e is provided proximate the attachment device 40. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. The tactile object 25 e in this embodiment is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4B, except in this embodiment the tactile object 25 e covers only a portion of one or more exposed surfaces of the attachment device 40. In other words, the tactile object 25 e covers a portion of at least one surface of the attachment device 40 except for a surface of the attachment device 40 bonded to the tooth 12. Various relative sizes of the attachment receiving well 20 and the combined attachment device 40 and tactile object 25 e are possible, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. A tactile object 25 f is provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5B illustrates a magnified portion of the tactile object 25 f and a portion of the appliance 10. The tactile object 25 f may be made of malleable material such as elastic, rubber, and the like. In an embodiment, the tactile object 25 f is bonded to and extends from an inner surface of the tooth receiving cavity 15 and has a predetermined shape. The tactile object 25 f may be formed in the shape of an elongated body, a rectangular cube, a square cube, a cylinder, and the like. The predetermined shape may be much smaller than that illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. The tactile object 25 f may be bonded to an inner surface of the attachment receiving well 20 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. The tactile object 25 f may also be bonded to other surfaces of the attachment receiving well 20 or the tooth receiving cavity 15, including an upper surface of the attachment receiving well 20 for contacting the top surface of the attachment 40 and a lower surface of the attachment receiving well 20 for contacting the bottom surface of the attachment 40. The tactile object 25 f may also be bonded to other surfaces of the appliance 10, including surfaces provided outside the attachment receiving well 20.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. A tactile object 25 g is provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5D illustrates a magnified portion of the tactile object 25 g and a portion of the appliance 10. The tactile object 25 g in this embodiment is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, except that in this embodiment the tactile object 25 g comprises a plurality of portions that are bonded to and extend from an inner surface of the tooth receiving cavity 15. The plurality of portions may all be bonded to the same surface or to different surfaces of the tooth receiving cavity 15. The plurality of portions may be made of the same or different material, and may have the same or different dimensions.

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12, and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. A tactile object 25 h and a base 27 are provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5F illustrates a magnified portion of the tactile object 25 h, base 27, and a portion of the appliance 10. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, except for the provision of a base 27. The base 27 may be formed in an inner well of the attachment receiving well 20. The base 27 may be made of the same material or different material than the tactile object 25 h, and the base 27 may have the same or different malleability as that the tactile object 25 h. The base 27 may be made of the same or different material than the appliance 10. The base 27 may be physically coupled to the tactile object 25 h, by either a bonding the base 27 to the tactile object 25 h or forming the base 27 and the tactile object 25 h as a single unit. In an embodiment, the base 27 is made of material that has a greater elasticity or malleability than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of the appliance 10.

The tactile object 25 h and the base 27 may be fabricated together as one unit or separate from one another. In an embodiment, the appliance 10 is formed to include an inner well in the attachment receiving well 20, and the tactile object 25 h and base 27 are subsequently inserted into the inner well. The tactile object 25 h may be bonded to the base 27 or formed together with the base 27 as one unit before being placed into the well. The base 27 may be made of malleable material such as rubber, elastic, and the like. The parameters of the base 27 such as and an elastic modulus of the base 27 and/or a size of the base 27 can be selected to obtain a desired force magnitude on the tooth 12. In an embodiment, the base 27 has a greater elasticity or malleability than the tactile object 25 h. As a result, a local elasticity or malleability at the base 27 can be more tolerant to error in shapes and position of the attachment 40. A shape and size of the tactile object 25 h and the base 27 may be standardized for different treatment conditions.

FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20 and a deflected portion 29. A tactile object 25 i and a base 27 are provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5H illustrates a magnified portion of the tactile object 25 i, base 27, a portion of the appliance 10, and a deflected portion 29 of the appliance 10. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5G and FIG. 5H is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F, except for the provision of a deflected portion 29. The deflected portion 29 is a portion of the appliance 10 which expands outwardly from a surface of the appliance 10. The deflected portion 29 may form as a result of fabricating the appliance 10 to include an inner well within the attachment receiving well 20.

FIG. 5I is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. A tactile object 25 j and a base 27 are provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5J illustrates a magnified portion of the tactile object 25 j, base 27, and a portion of the appliance 10. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5I and FIG. 5J is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F, except for a size of the base 27. The base 27 according to this embodiment may have an exposed surface area larger than the surface area at an end of the tactile object 25 j proximate the tooth receiving cavity 15. The base 27 may cover an entire exposed surface of the attachment receiving well 20 or only portions of an exposed surface of the attachment receiving well 20. The base 27 may be continuous or discontinuous.

FIG. 5K is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20. A tactile object 25 k and a base 27 are provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5L illustrates a magnified portion of the tactile object 25 k, base 27, and a portion of the appliance 10. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5K and FIG. 5L is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 5I and FIG. 5J except that the tactile object 25 k comprises a plurality of portions similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D.

FIG. 5M is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20 and a deflected portion 29. A tactile object 25 e is provided proximate the attachment 40, and a tactile object 25 m and a base 27 are provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5N illustrates a magnified portion of the tactile object 25 m, base 27, deflected portion 29 of the appliance 10, and a portion of the appliance 10. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5M and FIG. 5N is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 5G and FIG. 5H except for the tactile object 251 covering the attachment 40. The tactile object 25 m covering the attachment 40 may be the same as that illustrated in FIG. 4D.

FIG. 5O is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device 40 coupled to a tooth 12 and a cross-section of a corresponding tooth receiving cavity 15 of an appliance 10. The tooth receiving cavity 15 includes an attachment receiving well 20 and a deflected portion 29. A tactile object 25 n is provided proximate the attachment 40. A tactile object 25 o, 25 p and a base 27 are provided proximate the attachment receiving well 20. FIG. 5P illustrates a magnified portion of each of the tactile object 25, base 27, deflected portion 29 of the appliance 10, and the appliance 10. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5O and FIG. 5P is a combination of the embodiments illustrated in at least FIG. 4C, FIG. 4F, FIG. 5G, and FIG. 5K. The tactile object 25 n, 25 o, 25 p according to this embodiment may be made of the same or different material, and may have a same or different malleability. The base 27 according to this embodiment may have an exposed surface area larger than or equal to the surface area at an end of the tactile object 25 coupled to the tooth receiving cavity 15.

The arrangement of a tactile object is not limited to those embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4A to FIG. 5P. Rather, various combinations of these embodiments are possible.

FIG. 5Q and FIG. 5R illustrate an operation of a tactile object 25 q further described in accordance with FIGS. 5E and 5F. According to an embodiment, the tactile object 25 q has an elasticity or malleability greater than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of an attachment 40 and an appliance 10. A misalignment exists between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20. Upon application of the appliance 10 to the tooth 12, the attachment receiving well 20 imperfectly receives the attachment 40. As a result of inserting the attachment 40 into the attachment receiving well 20, the tactile object 25 q is deflected. The tactile object 25 q displaces much more easily than the appliance 10 since the elasticity or malleability of the tactile object 25 q is greater than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of the appliance 10. A reciprocal force applied by the tactile object 25 q onto the attachment 40 due to the elasticity or malleability of the tactile object 25 q advantageously reduces an amount of relative motion between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20. The reciprocal force will have a magnitude mostly determined by the deformation of the tactile object 25 q and a direction which returns the tactile object 25 q to a resting state. Accordingly, the tactile object 25 q modules an engagement between the attachment 40 and attachment receiving. As a result, the quality of a fit between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20 may be increased and thus an affect of the attachment 40 may be increased.

According to another embodiment, the base 27 has an elasticity or malleability greater than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of an attachment 40, an appliance 10, and the tactile object 25 q. As a result of inserting the attachment 40 into the attachment receiving well 20, the tactile object 25 q is deflected. A reciprocal force is applied by the tactile object 25 q onto the attachment 40. However, according to this embodiment, the reciprocal force is primarily generated due to the elasticity or malleability of the base 27 and will have a magnitude mostly determined by the deformation of the base 27 and a direction which returns the base 27 to a resting state. The tactile object 25 q displaces much more easily than the appliance 10 since the elasticity or malleability of the base 27 is greater than a corresponding elasticity or malleability of the appliance 10. Accordingly, the tactile object 25 q modules an engagement between the attachment 40 and attachment receiving. As a result, the quality of a fit between the attachment 40 and the attachment receiving well 20 may be increased and thus an affect of the attachment 40 may be increased.

FIG. 5S and FIG. 5T illustrate an operation of a tactile object 25 further described in accordance with FIG. 5K and FIG. 5L. The operation of the tactile object 25 r is identical to that described above with respect to FIG. 5Q and FIG. 5R, except that the tactile object 25 r comprises a plurality of portions in which some or all of the portions apply a reciprocal force to the attachment 40. The reciprocal force applied to the attachment 40 in this case will have a force magnitude and direction determined by a deflection of the majority of the portions of the tactile object 25 r in contact with the attachment 40.

FIG. 6A illustrates distances of an attachment taken into account during formation of a tactile object. FIG. 6B illustrates distances of a tactile object taken into account during formation of the tactile object. During design of the attachment such as that illustrated in FIG. 3B, the attachment is positioned at a distance La from a zero reference located on a surface of the tooth. A manufacturing and bonding tolerance for the attachment is ±Da, where the bonding tolerance includes a tolerance for bonding performed by an optometrist. Accordingly, an actual position of the attachment from the surface of the tooth varies from (La−Da) to (La+Da). Similarly, for a tactile object such that illustrated in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F, a manufacturing and bonding tolerance is ±Db, so that an actual position of the tactile object from a surface of the appliance varies from (Lb−Db) to (Lb+Db). Da is greater than Db since Da represents a combination of manufacturing and bonding tolerance whereas Db represents a manufacturing tolerance alone.

For some tooth movements, it is desired that a force be applied at a surface of the attachment; i.e., at the distance La. In an embodiment where a single tactile object is used, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F, a desirable manufacturing length of the tactile object is Lb=(La−Da). A deflection of the tactile object may be at least equal to 2 Da. In an embodiment where a base is provided, the deflection may be provided primarily by the malleability of the base. In an embodiment where a base is not provided, the deflection may be provided primarily by the malleability of the tactile object.

In an embodiment where a tactile object having a plurality of portions is used, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5K and FIG. 5L, the plurality of portions may be smaller than when a single tactile object is used. An area on the appliance where the portions of the tactile object occupy may center at (La−Da) and be greater than 2 Da in that dimension. When the appliance is engaged with the teeth, at least one of the portions of the tactile object may deflect and contact the attachment to generate a force in favor of tooth movement.

The aforementioned techniques for manufacturing tactile objects do not only apply to situations where a single tactile object such as that illustrated in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F and a tactile object having a plurality of portions as illustrated in FIG. 5K and FIG. 5L are used. Rather, these techniques similarly apply to other situations where a tactile object is used as described herein.

FIG. 7A illustrates a method 100 for fabricating an appliance 10 according to a first embodiment. In step 102, a representation of a patient's teeth in a selected arrangement is received. The selected arrangement in particular, and the representation in general, will depend upon the purpose of the particular appliance 10 being defined. Where the appliance 10 will be used to apply positioning forces to constrain a patient's teeth in their current arrangement, the selected arrangement can correspond to the current arrangement of the patient's teeth. Where the appliance 10 will be used to apply repositioning forces to move the patient's teeth from their current arrangement toward a subsequent arrangement, the selected arrangement will typically deviate from the current arrangement of the patient's teeth.

In step 104, selected teeth of the received representation are optionally modified. This optional modification can include any number of the teeth, from one to all. A wide range of modifications are possible. For example, the size of any number of teeth can be scaled by a desired amount. The teeth in the representation can also be locally modified, by either adding or removing material.

In step 106, the received representation is optionally adjusted for an attachment 40. The optional adjustment can include adjustment for one or more attachments, where one or more attachments may be provided for a single tooth. Various adjustments are possible. For example, the representation may be adjusted to facilitate an attachment receiving well 20 in a tooth receiving cavity 15 of the appliance 10. As previously discussed in the context of a tactile object 25, the attachment receiving 20 well may have one or more dimensions smaller than, equal to, or larger than a corresponding attachment 40. Where the representation is a physical definition, the adjustment may be made by attaching a material to or forming a material on the representation, where a shape of the material is a negative of the desired adjustment. Where the representation is a digital definition, the adjustment may be a digital adjustment.

In step 108, the received representation is optionally adjusted for a tactile object 25. The optional adjustment can include adjustment for one or more tactile objects, where one or more tactile objects may be provided for a single tooth. Each tactile object may comprise one or a plurality of portions. For example, the representation may be adjusted to facilitate an attachment receiving well 20. As previously discussed in the context of a tactile object 25, the attachment receiving well 20 may have one or more dimensions smaller than, equal to, or larger than a corresponding attachment 40 based on an arrangement of a tactile object 25. The optional adjustment can also include adjustment for one or more bases 27, where one or more bases 27 may be provided for a single tooth 12. For example, the representation may be adjusted to facilitate an inner well within an attachment receiving well 20. The inner well may be the smaller than, the same size as, or larger than an attached tactile object 25. Where the representation is a physical definition, the adjustment may be made by attaching a material to or forming a material on the representation, where a shape of the material is a negative of the desired adjustment. Where the representation is a digital definition, the adjustment may be a digital adjustment.

In step 110, the appliance 10 can be fabricated by forming a sheet of polymeric material over a physical model/mold corresponding to the digital or physical definition resulting from steps 102 to 108.

FIG. 7B shows a method 150 for fabricating an appliance 10 according to a second embodiment. In step 152, a digital definition of an appliance is received. The digital definition as received may include adjustments as described above in steps 106 and 108 with respect to FIG. 7A. Additionally or alternatively, the digital definition may be adjusted as described above in steps 106 and 108 after being received.

In step 154, an appliance 10 is directly fabricated using the digital definition from step 152. Various known manufacturing processes can be used to directly fabricate an appliance 10. In one approach, the appliance 10 is formed by a stereo-lithography fabrication machine, where resin is selectively hardened in the shape of the digital definition.

FIG. 8A shows a method for fabricating a dental template to position an attachment 40 and a tactile object 25 on a patient's tooth 12. In step 210, a patient's tooth 12 is digitized. Next, in step 212, a virtual representation of the attachment 40 is added to a pre-determined location on the digitized tooth. In step 214, a virtual representation of a tactile object 25 is added to the virtual representation of the attachment 40. The virtual representation of the tactile object 25 may cover all or portions of exposed surfaces of the virtual representation of the attachment 40. Finally, in step 214, a dental template is fabricated for locating the attachment 40 and the tactile object 25 on the patient's tooth 12.

FIG. 8B shows a first method for placing an attachment 40 and a tactile object 25 on a patient's tooth 12. The process uses a dental template such as that fabricated according to the method of FIG. 8A. The method includes a first step 220 of placing the dental template on the patient's tooth 12; a second step 222 of mounting the attachment 40 and the tactile object 25 between the dental template and the tooth 12; and a third step 224 of bonding the attachment 40 and the tactile object 25 to the tooth 12. In the bonding operation, chemical curing and/or light curing adhesives may be used.

In an embodiment, the tactile object 25 is bonded to the attachment 40 before the second step of mounting the attachment 40 and the tactile object 25 between the dental template and the tooth 12. In another embodiment, the tactile object 25 is not bonded to the attachment 40 before the second step of mounting the attachment 40 and the tactile object 25. In this case, the tactile object 25 may be bonded to the attachment 40 by the chemical and/or light curing of the third step 224.

FIG. 8C shows a second method for placing an attachment 40 and a tactile object 25 on a patient's tooth 12. According to this process, in a first step 230 the attachment 40 and tactile object 25 are placed in a dental template such as that fabricated according to the method of FIG. 8A. Next, in a second step 232, the dental template containing the attachment 40 and the tactile object 25 are inserted onto the patient's teeth. Finally, in a third step 234, the attachment 40 and the tactile object 25 are bonded to the tooth 12.

In an embodiment, the tactile object 25 is bonded to the attachment 40 before the first step of placing the attachment 40 and tactile object 25 in a dental template. In another embodiment, the tactile object 25 is not bonded to the attachment 40 before the first step of placing the attachment 40 and tactile object 25 in a dental template. In this case, the tactile object 25 may be bonded to the attachment 40 by the chemical and/or light curing of the third step 234.

According to an embodiment not illustrated, a method of forming an attachment 40 such as that illustrated in FIG. 4A is provided. In other words, a method of forming a malleable attachment 40 on a tooth 12 is provided. This method is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and/or FIG. 8C, except in this case a tactile object 25 is not provided. For example, step 214 may not be performed, and a dental template may be fabricated to only locate an attachment 40 (and not a tactile object 25) on a patient's tooth 12 in accordance with step 216. According to this embodiment, the attachment 40 formed has a greater malleability than an appliance 10 which receives the attachment 40. In this embodiment, a very low viscosity UV curable adhesive may be used to bond the attachment 40 to a surface of the tooth 12.

More information on the fabrication of orthodontic appliances, attachments, and dental templates is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,482,647, 7,481,647, 7,476,100, 7,435,084, 7,384,266, 7,357,636, 7,326,051, 7,331,783, 7,335,024, 7,125,248, 7,123,767, 7,110,594, 7,108,508, 7,059,850, 7,056,115, 7,037,111, 6,499,997, 6,497,574, 6,488,499, 6,485,298, 6,471,511, 6,463,344, 6,457,972, 6,454,565, 6,450,807, 6,409,504, 6,406,292, 6,398,548, 6,394,801, 6,390,812, 6,386,878, 6,386,864, 6,371,761, 6,318,994, 6,309,215, 6,299,440, 6,227,851, 6,227,850, 6,217,325, 6,210,162, and 5,975,893, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 9 shows a method for attaching a tactile object 25 to a patient's tooth 12. In step 310, an attachment 40 is bonded to the tooth 12. This bonding may be performed as described above in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C, except that the tactile object 25 is not incorporated into the steps illustrated in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C. In step 312, a tactile object 25 is attached to the attachment 40. The tactile object 25 may cover a portion of or a whole of an exposed surface of the attachment 40. The tactile object 25 may be attached to the attachment 40 via an adhesive, by elastic forces of the tactile object 25, and the like.

FIG. 10A shows a method for forming a tactile object 25 on an appliance 10. In step 402, an appliance 10 is formed. For example, the appliance 10 may be formed in accordance with one of the methods illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. In step 404, a tactile object 25 is attached to the appliance 10. In an embodiment, rubber is drip coated or spray coated on an inner surface of the appliance 10. For example, rubber may be drip coated or spray coated on an inner surface of an attachment receiving well 20 of the appliance 10. An automated dispensing system may be used to drip coat or spray coat the appliance. In this case, the area of the appliance 10 that will be rubber coated may first be laser-marked so that an automated dispending arm can locate the area to add the rubber material. In another embodiment, the tactile object 25 is pre-formed separate from the formation of the appliance 10. The tactile object 25 may then be bonded to a surface of the appliance 10 via an adhesive, by elastic forces of the tactile object 25, and the like.

FIG. 10B shows a method for forming a base 27 and a tactile object 25 on an appliance 10. In step 452, an appliance 10 is formed. For example, the appliance 10 may be formed in accordance with one of the methods illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B and formed to include an inner well within an attachment receiving well 20. In step 454, a base 27 and tactile object 25 are attached to the appliance 10. The base 27 and the tactile object 25 may be a single unit, in which case they are simultaneously bonded to the appliance 10 via adhesives, by elastic forces of the base 27 and/or tactile object 25, and the like. The base 27 and the tactile object 25 may be separate units, in which case they may be separately bonded to the appliance 10 using similar or other suitable methods.

FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram of a data processing system 500 embodying the present invention. Data processing system 500 typically includes at least one processor 502 which communicates with a number of peripheral devices via a bus subsystem 504. These peripheral devices typically include a storage subsystem 506 (memory subsystem 508 and file storage subsystem 514), a set of user interface input and output devices 518, and an interface to outside networks 516, including the public switched telephone network. This interface is shown schematically as “Modems and Network Interface” block 516, and is coupled to corresponding interface devices in other data processing systems via a communication network interface 524. Data processing system 500 could be a terminal or a low-end personal computer or a high-end personal computer, workstation, or mainframe.

The user interface input devices typically include a keyboard and may further include a pointing device and a scanner. The pointing device may be an indirect pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, touchpad, or graphics tablet, or a direct pointing device such as a touch screen incorporated into the display. Other types of user interface input devices, such as voice recognition systems, are also possible.

User interface output devices typically include a printer and a display subsystem, which includes a display controller and a display device coupled to the controller. The display device may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat-panel device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a projection device. The display subsystem may also provide non-visual display such as audio output.

Storage subsystem 506 maintains the basic programming and data constructs that provide the functionality of the present invention. Software modules used to implement the methods discussed above are typically stored in storage subsystem 506. Storage subsystem 506 typically comprises memory subsystem 508 and file storage subsystem 514.

Memory subsystem 508 typically includes a number of memories including a main random access memory (RAM) 510 for storage of instructions and data during program execution and a read only memory (ROM) 512 in which fixed instructions are stored. In the case of Macintosh-compatible personal computers the ROM would include portions of the operating system; in the case of IBM-compatible personal computers, this would include the BIOS (basic input/output system).

File storage subsystem 514 provides persistent (non-volatile) storage for program and data files, and typically includes at least one hard disk drive and at least one disk drive (with associated removable media). There may also be other devices such as a CD-ROM drive and optical drives (all with their associated removable media). Additionally, the system may include drives of the type with removable media cartridges. The removable media cartridges may, for example be hard disk cartridges, such as those marketed by Syquest and others, and flexible disk cartridges, such as those marketed by Iomega. One or more of the drives may be located at a remote location, such as in a server on a local area network or at a site on the Internet's World Wide Web.

In this context, the term “bus subsystem” is used generically so as to include any mechanism for letting the various components and subsystems communicate with each other as intended. With the exception of the input devices and the display, the other components need not be at the same physical location. Thus, for example, portions of the file storage system could be connected via various local-area or wide-area network media, including telephone lines. Similarly, the input devices and display need not be at the same location as the processor, although it is anticipated that the present invention will most often be implemented in the context of PCs and workstations.

Bus subsystem 504 is shown schematically as a single bus, but a typical system has a number of buses such as a local bus and one or more expansion buses (e.g., ADB, SCSI, ISA, EISA, MCA, NuBus, or PCI), as well as serial and parallel ports. Network connections are usually established through a device such as a network adapter on one of these expansion buses or a modem on a serial port. The client computer may be a desktop system or a portable system.

Scanner 520 is responsible for scanning impressions or casts of the patient's teeth obtained either from the patient or from an orthodontist and providing the scanned digital data set information to data processing system 500 for further processing. In a distributed environment, scanner 520 may be located at a remote location and communicate scanned digital data set information to data processing system 500 via network interface 524.

Fabrication machine 522 fabricates orthodontic appliances based on intermediate and final data set information received from data processing system 500. In a distributed environment, fabrication machine 522 may be located at a remote location and receive data set information from data processing system 500 via network interface 524.

One or more structures as described herein may be provided in the form of a kit. For example, a kit may contain one or more of an appliance or plurality (e.g., set) of appliances, tactile object, tooth attachment or components for disposing an attachment on a patients tooth (e.g., attachment material, template, and the like). A receiving cavity of an appliance can be treated or altered, e.g., by chemical means, so as to affect a property of the appliance. A kit can be configured for delivery to an intended recipient (e.g., patient, practitioner, etc.) directly or indirectly. A kit can include an object or component provided separated from an appliance, but which is meant to be coupled with another component. For example, a tactile object can be provided for coupling by a user (e.g., patient, practitioner, etc.) with an appliance.

While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising a removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance comprising: a shell formed of a first material with a first elastic modulus, the shell comprising a plurality of teeth-receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to one or more teeth of a patient, wherein at least one of the teeth-receiving cavities comprises: an attachment-receiving well comprising: a surface configured to engage with an attachment to effect a movement of the patient's tooth when the removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn; and a plurality of tactile objects extending from and coupled to the surface, wherein the plurality of tactile objects each have a second elastic modulus different from the first elastic modulus and the plurality of tactile objects are configured to contact the attachment when the removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising the attachment.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile objects are each made from the same material.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile objects have different malleabilities.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile objects are made of different materials.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile objects are configured to extend toward the attachment and deflect away from the attachment in different directions when contacted by the attachment.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile objects are located on opposite sides of the attachment-receiving well.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile objects are bonded to the surface of the attachment-receiving well.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile objects apply force to the attachment when the removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn, thereby modulating an engagement between the attachment and the attachment receiving well.
 10. A system comprising: an attachment adapted to be mounted on a patient's tooth; a patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth-receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth, at least one of the teeth-receiving cavities comprising an inner surface made of a first material and configured to contact the patient's tooth when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn, wherein a portion of the inner surface forms an attachment-receiving well configured to engage with and receive therein the attachment, without receiving therein the patient's tooth, when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn, and wherein the attachment-receiving well comprises: a first tactile object made of a second material, extending from and coupled to the portion of the inner surface forming the attachment-receiving well, wherein the first tactile object contacts the attachment within the attachment-receiving well when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn by the patient, and wherein the second material has an elastic modulus less than the first material.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the appliance comprises one or more attachment-receiving wells, each comprising a respective tactile object made of the second material and configured to contact a respective attachment mountable on a tooth of the patient when the appliance is worn, wherein the appliance is formed such that the second material is located only in the one or more attachment-receiving wells.
 12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a second tactile object extending from and coupled to the portion of the inner surface forming the attachment-receiving well, wherein the second tactile object contacts the attachment when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn by the patient, and wherein the second tactile object is made of a material with an elastic modulus less than the first material.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the second tactile object is made of the second material.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the first and second tactile objects have different malleabilities.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the attachment-receiving well comprises three or more tactile objects extending from and coupled to the surface of the attachment-receiving well, each configured to contact the attachment when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn by the patient.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the teeth-receiving cavities comprises an outer surface farther from the tooth than the inner surface when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn, said outer surface including a portion extending over the portion of the inner surface that forms the attachment-receiving well, wherein the portion of the outer surface includes a deflected portion extending away from the attachment-receiving well at a location corresponding to where the first tactile object is coupled to the portion of the inner surface forming the attachment-receiving well.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the attachment comprises a surface comprising a second tactile object that contacts the first tactile object when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn by the patient.
 18. The system of claim 10, wherein the first tactile object is configured to extend toward the attachment and deflect away from the attachment when contacted by the attachment.
 19. The system of claim 10, wherein the first tactile object covers the portion of the inner surface that forms the attachment-receiving well.
 20. The system of claim 10, wherein the first tactile object applies a force to the attachment when the patient-removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn by the patient, thereby modulating engagement between attachment and the attachment receiving well.
 21. A removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance comprising: a shell formed of a first material with a first elastic modulus, the shell comprising a plurality of teeth-receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to the one or more teeth, wherein at least one of the teeth-receiving cavities comprises: an attachment-receiving well comprising a surface configured to provide an engagement with an attachment to effect a movement on the patient's tooth when the removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance is worn; and means for modulating the engagement between the surface and the attachment in order to effect or improve a force application of the attachment. 